CHARLESTON -- A West Virginia-based company is about to double in size.

Officials with McJunkin Corp. announced July 11 they will merge with Red Man Pipe and Supply Co., of Tulsa, Okla. Company officials expect the merger will be completed within the next 60 days. The deal involves two companies of comparable size, said Beth Morrison, McJunkin’s spokewoman for the merger.

“It’s about growth,” she said. “This truly is a merger of equals. We’re excited about this opportunity for growth.”

Financial terms of the merger were not announced. It is unclear what effect the merger will have on area jobs, she said.

“I’m not going to speculate on jobs, but we don’t expect any cuts,” Morrison said.

The new company will be one of the leading suppliers of oilfield pipes, valves and fittings in North America, according to a news release from the companies.

McJunkin was founded in Charleston in 1921. The company distributes industrial pipes, valves, fittings and similar products. They serve companies in the oil and gas exploration, refining, chemical, power generation, steel manufacturing and other businesses.

The company also provides services such as storeroom management, purchasing, work process redesign, valve automation and integrated supply.

The company is majority owned by Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and had an estimated $1.44 billion in sales and 1,436 employees nationwide in 2005, according to information reported by the McJunkin.

Lewis Ketchum, a member of the Delaware Tribe, founded Red Man in 1977. The company offers products and services similar to those of McJunkin, to similar industries.

Red Man reported $1.24 billion in sales and 1,072 employees in 2005.

The combined company will have about 200 locations nationwide, Morrison said.

The new company will be co-headquartered in Charleston and Tulsa, according to a news release about the merger. The companies did not announce what the name of the new company will be.

McJunkin President and CEO H.B. Wehrle III and Red Man President and CEO Craig Ketchum will serve as co-CEOs for the new company.